>>1876403>>1876405>>1876411>>1876419>>1876665>>1876780I used to have the same attitude about tolls until I got into college and began reading on how countries have developed over time. I know people argue tolls cover the costs of maintenance. And to an extent that is true.
But tolls do other things. They are literally a barrier to trade and movement. They will define/restrict geographic regions based on toll prices. Certain areas near major urban centers that have no tolls/lower tolls will flourish and run out of room for development including increasing costs of housing and business for that area due to the concentration of assets. Meanwhile a town ten miles away that could be a cheaper place to live for a lot of people, could increase development and have good public transportation, won’t. Because that town has a literal economic border.
Then there is the fact that when you have a toll people will use alternative routes which may be two lane roads, the increase in traffic will result in higher number of accidents and deaths.
Tolls may work for the intended purpose but they fail at everything else so much that it’s a wonder they’re still considered at all.
